November 2010
The car trip computer overstates the mpg. Is it possible to adjust the calibration to get it more accurate? I have calculated mpg for each full tank and the computer is consistently over the actual consumption figure so I wonder if the figures it shows for mileage on remaining fuel might be dubious too.
Anyone got any ideas? Read more
Hi There
In the last week or so my car has developed a smoking exhaust, white ish in colour, that does not go away after the engine has heated up for a while. I have topped up the oil and perhaps the problem started after this.... Read more
I recently changed my insurance from More Than to Churchill and unlike every other time I've taken out insurance, Churchill weren't able to check my years of no claims electronically.
After finally getting my no claims certificate from More Than, I don't believe it to be correct in that it's showing 6 years no claims when I believe I have 7.... Read more
6 years may also be the top rate for your old insurer and therefore it could say 6 years if you have 6 claim free years or 60 claim free years
Does anybody know if you can fit snow chains to an Audi A6 Avant (02 plate) with 215/55R16 tyres on a 7J rims
My manual says you can (with chains protruding less than 15mm)... Read more
As a last fallback yes I have considered snow socks, they look good.
However, I need to navigate a number of steep hills to and from work and in and out of our house.
I understood that socks gave about 40 to 60% of the grip chains do.
I have no expereince of either so would prefere to go for maximum grip before considering something that offers less grip.
My woes go on........
I just bought a pair of three button remotes (key fobs) that I was assured would work with my car. They are VW branded but with the correct blank blades (for cutting).... Read more
You will need someone with diagnostic kit to programme the keys for c/d/lock and ignition immobiliser system.You can re-sync an existing key yourself ,but not a virgin key.As for the rear washer system,take a look in the passenger front footwell .There is a joint in the pipework just behind the plastic trim on the sill area.These often come apart and fill the floor with water.Replacing the front strut top mounts is not too difficult except that you tend to find the top nut area is a water trap & usually ends up with the nuts being cut off due to rust and corrosion.hth
Hi all,
I just bought this car on an 2004 plate. Having a bit of trouble with a few maters as there is no Haynes manual (I usually get these with any vehicle that I buy). So seeking forum help please!!... Read more
Wondering if someone can help, as I am clueless when it comes to vehicle maintenance and really fed up with being done over by garages overcharing me simply because I don't know any different.
Recently my Kangoo started over heating on a long journey. I managed to get home, and next day checked the coolant level which was below the min mark, so I bought some coolant and filled up. However, two days later, I checked the level again and it was again below the min mark, so, bought some more coolant and refilled. Couple of days later; same thing. I have now refilled about 4 or 5 times, but days later the level is back down to below the minimum level mark on the bottle.... Read more
If it is overpressurising, to test for this let the car heat up from cold without the cap, fit the cap and go for a run then check the hoses, they should not be very pressurised. If they are then carefully release the pressure and reseal the cap and give it another short run. If it pressurises then you may have a head gasket problem. Go to a garage and have them check the header tank for combustion gases to confirm. Regards Peter
For years I used winter tread tyres on my cars before I had 4WD cars. I now have, in addition to my little Daihatsu Terios 4x4, a diesel Vauxhall Zafira. I have a spare pair of steel wheels and called at a local Kwik Fit to ask the price of a couple of suitable winter tyres. The chap there refused to supply two only, saying I had to have a set of FOUR due to "uneven traction". I have never heard such rubbish before. Yes, you need matching tyre types on a 4WD but up front, or at the back, on a two wheel drive car? Are they trying to pull the wool over an experienced (40+ years) driver?
I am getting my local garage man to supply, at a price lower than another well known tyre chain. Read more
It's not rubbish. Sure, when moving off in the Zafira it makes no difference, but when you brake or negotiate a corner there is a significant increase in the back end losing traction. Fishtailing springs to mind...and you will end up in the ditch backwards. Kwik Fit may have lost a sale, but won't be getting sued!
Hi,
This has been sending me crazy (plus its winter!)... Read more
Hi,
My daughter had a similar problem with her 2003 Seat Ibiza;- rear wiper working fine but no screen wash when pump operated .As she could her the pump operating she investigated further and noticed blue washer fluid coming from the rear hatch lock. (rear washer jet is situated on the rear hatch)....
As a result of a flat battery the stereo in my A3 is now displaying 'SAFE'. I realise I need the code for the radio, but the card with the code on it has been detached from the Concert user guide by the car's previous owner.
My local Audi dealer informs me that I need to pay £10 to retrieve the code, plus supply the VIN number and serial number from side of the radio, which means removing the radio.... Read more
Even with the companies that provide the code you will have to give the radio code.Sometimes the radio code is written on the radio side or somewhere in the instruction book.
Browse
>> I wonder if the figures it shows for mileage on remaining fuel might be dubious too.
I've used brim to brim fill-ups and even when the computer showed "miles to empty" as 0 I was able to add a max of 50 litres, implying 3 litres still remaining. Having said that I've also noticed there are slight variations between one Focus TDCi and another TDCi.
Safest thing to do is a double check. Check the fuel gauge, if it shows 0 or E and the "miles to empty" is close to 0 then fill with fuel asap, ideally fill well before.